Study and work in China in 2024

Hey, welcome back! Ever thought about how to work and study in China at the same time?

Getting to know the most important universities for students is important next to the costs of studying and living in China. Now comes the part where you navigate discovering the possibility of working in China besides studying at your university. This will help students to get additional income, which contributes to covering part of the living cost in China.

In today’s work while studying in China report, you’d be able to learn the possibility to study and work simultaneously during your period of study in China. Ready?!

Can international students work in China?

This question is frequently asked by students coming to study in China. Yes, indeed, it’s possible to work in China as an international student. However, this matter was not possible before January 2022.

Students weren’t allowed to work and study at that time, resulting in a lack of increase in the number of international students choosing China as a destination. This made the Chinese government abandon this law and allow students to work part-time or during the holidays.

Hence, a new policy released by the Chinese Ministry of Education grants now international students the right to work and study in China. The right allows students who have been studying for more than one year at their university to work on and off campus for a maximum of 8 hours per week. 

The monthly limit is then 40 hours, which the students can double to 80 hours per month (16 hours a week) during summer and winter holidays. 

To be able to work, students need to get the approval from their university and the local Exit and Entry Bureau of the region they study in. Also, any change in workplace requires them to get an agreement and certificate from their institution of higher education, then applying again to the bureau. 

Conditions for work and study and work visa types in China for students

To be allowed to work during their studies in China, international students must first and foremost purchase an insurance covering their work-studies activities. The students who choose to work on campus should work mainly as teaching assistants, scientific research assistants, administrative management assistants and agents at the school public services. 

Their university should arrange for the remuneration of the students. But the jobs should meet the needs of the students without over-lapping on their normal study time. Other conditions include, the students to: 

• Be at least 18 years old and meeting the physical conditions for the position they apply to
• Have a valid residence permit for their study in China, with a remaining residence time valid for more than 6 months
• Have studied for more than a year in a Chinese institution of higher education. This applies for students in undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate level
• Comply to the progress and attendance rate requirements of their school
• Other conditions and requirements from the school

Moreover, you must have a study visa in China of type X, and there are two types of students visa.

• The first one is the x1 visa, which is given to students who want to study in China for more than six months.
• The second type is the x2 study visa that is given to exchange students or those who won’t exceed six months in China.

Study and work in China for international students

Getting a job in China is not really that complicated. However, to get a part-time job in China, here are our tips!

Take advantage of the Internet

Visiting the sites that provide part-time job opportunities is one way to get your information right. When doing so, read all the work requirements and learn about the advantages and whereabouts. This will help you in the long term as you don’t want to work in a place far away from your place of residence.

Talk to your friends

Ask your friends, especially the Chinese ones, about the job opportunities available in the city where you live. This helps you become a scout as someone in the local market.

Newspapers and web

Many newspapers provide a special section for vacancies, search for the most suitable and closest to you. Try online vacancies too!

Jobs available for foreigners in China

Language Instructor

Teaching English in China is one of the highly important jobs for international students. It’s not necessary to have English as a mother tongue, but it’s sufficient if you master it very well.

There are many opportunities for students in this field, and the work will be in either company or training centers. Try searching online!

Voice recording

This is also linked to how good your English language is. Your voice may be recorded in advertisements or videos. There is a demand for people to speak in English.

Don’t forget! Working extra hours for students is part of the experience to study and work in China.

Working in shops

If you master English, you have more chances to work in shops. However, it’s necessary to know to speak Chinese so that you can communicate with your customers.

School support

One of the best opportunities for work you have in China is to provide school support to Chinese students in the English language.

Conclusion

There are many ways to find opportunities to work in China. Since China’s economy is booming, many students find opportunities to find work in various fields.

For example, students at Peking University of Languages and Culture do often provide support to international companies. You can search for opportunities online, or by looking at ads in university cafes, or through sites such as those providing part-time job opportunities for students.